What should you do to protect your assets from property fraud at the Land Registry?

September 5, 2017

Property fraud is becoming an increasing threat as property transactions migrate towards technology-based platforms. The Land Registry is now an online platform and unfortunately this has opened up opportunities for fraudsters to make applications to change the Land Registry’s records in order to sell or mortgage property without the owners knowing about it. There are, however, two ways in which you can protect your property and reduce the chances of this happening:

1. Set up property alerts on your property

A property alert can be set up at the Land Registry by you or us on your behalf, which will alert you whenever someone applies to change the register of a property that you are monitoring (you can register up to 10 properties for free). This does not prevent applications being made, however it will notify you when an application is made and outline what steps you can take if believe the application to be suspicious. We would also be happy to provide assistance if you do receive any such notifications.

2. Place a restriction on your title

Placing a restriction on your title stops the Land Registry from registering the sale or mortgage of your property unless a conveyancer or solicitor certifies that the application was made by you.

If you would like assistance from us in setting up a property alert, or if you would like us to place a restriction on the title to your property, please get in touch.